Temple of Ramses II

Originally at Abu Simbel but now relocated in 1968 owing to the construction of the Aswan High Dam

Egyptian New Kingdom, Dynasty XIX, c. 1275-1225 BC

[Seated figures approximately 65' tall]

Ramses, one of the greatest of Egypt's warrior-kings, is often, although not substantiated as such, associated as the pharaoh of the Exodus.

The sheer size (65 feet in height) of the four seated statues of Ramses is enough to project overwhelming power. The figures of the king's favorite wife, Nefertari, and their children, placed beside his legs, are more like Ken and Barbie dolls in comparison. Even the statue of Ramses' fellow god, Horus, is much smaller than the statue of the king.